but were mainly based on pre @ - @ existing hunting and fighting practices — using spears , clubs and other primitive weapons . unlike the indigenous peoples of new zealand and north america , on the main ab ##ori ##gin ##es failed to adapt to meet the challenge of the europeans . although there were some instances of individuals and groups acquiring and using firearms , this was not widespread . the ab ##ori ##gin ##es were never a serious military threat to european settlers , regardless of how much the settlers may have feared them . on occasions large groups of ab ##ori ##gin ##es attacked the settlers in open terrain and a conventional battle ensued , during which the ab ##ori ##gin ##es would attempt
but were mainly based on pre @ - @ existing hunting and fighting practices — using spears, clubs and other primitive weapons. unlike the indigenous peoples of new zealand and north america, on the main aborigines failed to adapt to meet the challenge of the europeans. although there were some instances of individuals and groups acquiring and using firearms, this was not widespread. the aborigines were never a serious military threat to european settlers, regardless of how much the settlers may have feared them. on occasions large groups of aborigines attacked the settlers in open terrain and a conventional battle ensued, during which the aborigines would attempt